Proceedings of the fifth mountain lion workshop: 27

66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP
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Lion subspecies
F.c. azteca
F.c. browni
F.c. californica
F.c. kaibabensis
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Figure 1. Canonical variate analysis of 5 tooth characteristics for P.c. azteca, P.c. browni, P.c. californica, P.c. kaibabensis
illustrating a lack of separation between these subspecies based on dentition.
that a subspecies carries (ecologically relevant) adaptations
couples with the potential to become a unique new species
are compelling reasons for affording them protection
against extinction."
Because the Endangered Species Act requires the
conservation of subspecies, we recognize the constraints
that the law imposes on wildlife and land managers.
However, among widely dispersing mammals which do not
appear to be separated by geographic barriers the subspecies
category may be either too ambiguous or simply
inappropriate as a management designation. From a
standpoint of conservation biology, using the mountain lion
as an umbrella species with consideration for habitat
continuity and connectivity may be a more useful
management strategy.
The question of taxonomic status, cast into doubt
by ecological evidence, may only be resolved through the
examination of a larger morphometric data set, and through
the application of modern genetic and statistical techniques.
It is unlikely that any single ecological, morphological, or
genetics-based approach will or should answer the question
of subspecific status.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Department of Defense (DOD) Legacy
Resource Management Program administered by Southwest
Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command
(SDNFEC), Natural Resources Branch, generously provided
funding. We are grateful to W. Fisher for his interest, help,
and advice. Many individuals gave generously of their time
and information, particularly L. Thompson-Olais, M. Peirce,
B. Broyles, L. Haynes, L. Lesika, R. Lidicker, D. Schlitter,
and H. Shaw. Thanks to D. Hewitt for his exsanguinated
comments.
LITERATURE CITED
Ackerman, B. B. 1982. Cougar predation and ecological
energetics in southern Utah. M.S. thesis. Utah
State Univ., Logan. 103pp.